ĂN CỖ Vol. V: A 5-Course Vietnamese Dinner Banquet w/ Cocktail Pairing

Ăn Cỗ is a limited event series by Thu Pham Buser that spotlights lesser-known regional Vietnamese dishes and traditional food art. Every event is unique and includes rare ingredients and materials from Vietnam. It is served as a sit-down meal to be enjoyed in an intimate setting. To bring out the flavors, we pair key dishes with Vietnamese-inspired cocktails and a little storytelling about the dish.

Ăn Cỗ means "attending a banquet" in Vietnamese and signifies our invitation to experience our food and culture throughout the series.

As the sun rises on the vast rice fields of the Mekong, sliced through with mazes canals, the still waters reflect the sky and engulf the world in pinks and yellows. Before the first rays reach the ground, the riverside ports of Cần Thơ city is a frenzy of activity - boats laden with the bounties of the Mekong Delta, vendors shouting their goods and prices.

Here is where the flavors of Vietnam's cuisine meet after the harvest and before making their way to cities and plates worldwide.

The Mekong River has been a highway of innovation, culture, and culinary joys, linking the ancient seaports of East Asia to the continental inner kingdoms. The dishes of this southern delta region reflect these influences.

Join us for a return to the countryside and Thư's "Quê Hương," or ancestral homeland.

• 48 seats for Sunday, December 8th @ 5-7:30 pm
• 48 seats for Sunday, December 8th @ 8:15-11 pm

1. Ếch Chui Rơm | crispy frog leg tossed in garlic butter, string lemongrass, salted egg yolk sauce
2. Cua Rang Me | spicy tamarind crab, fried lime leaves, chili, herbs
3. Gỏi Gà Chôm Chôm | 22-ingredient salad with smoked chicken, rambutan, ginger dressing
4. Bún Kèn | coconut turmeric fish noodles, papaya, mango, cucumber, fresh herbs, chili lime fish sauce
5. Các Loại Bánh Miền Tây | Mekong Delta specialty dessert tasting flight w/ coconut pandan sesame dip (let me surprise you!)

We will offer a welcome wine and three dishes paired with unique cocktails inspired by the flavors of the South. They are designed specifically to enhance the flavor of each dish. Cocktails are available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, with the opportunity to switch on the day of the event.

***A-la-carte cocktails are available for $15 each on-site

The event will be held at the Knife Factory (347 Maujer Street in Brooklyn, New York) and offer 2 seatings: 5:00-7:30 pm & 8:15-11:00 pm.

• Each course will feature a bit of storytelling about why the dish and cocktail were selected
• The first three dishes are served shared for two people, we recommend coming with others
• The first dish is served 15 minutes after the seating time begins so please arrive on time
• No vegetarian options or substitutions will be available
• We cannot promise any accommodations due to allergies
• There are no refunds available, but feel free to exchange tickets and inform us of the new names so we can update the name cards

Thu Pham Buser is a culinary artist, food stylist & Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef based in New York City. Born and raised in her family's restaurant built into the side of their house, she is excited to bring some of the most delicious and beautiful parts of her culture to NYC. The Ăn Cỗ series is her passion project and an experiential way to discover the flavors of Vietnam in a new light.

This limited series will - sadly - come to an end, so make sure you're signed up and don't miss a Volume!

Photos from our past Ăn Cỗ events

Photos by Isa Zapata, Alex Huang and Phillip Le

Host or Publisher Thu Pham Buser